Montgomery Smith — Michigan/Arizona, U.S.
Chemical Engineering, Ph.D.
Graduation: Winter 2024
I work on the process control and design of the crystallization of energetic materials. This is important as the need for energetics materials continues to rise and learning how to manufacturer them better becomes more important.
Q
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A
Work in an industrial research and development role as a crystallization expert.
Q
What was the most valuable advice you received before or during graduate school?
A
The most valuable advice I got before gradate school was: "Go to graduate school."
Q
Why did you choose Purdue Engineering for your graduate studies?
A
Purdue had the perfect project in a great department with kind and community-oriented people and it felt like the right place to be for the next few years.
Q
If you could describe Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs in 3 words, which would you choose?
A
Tough but powerful
Q
What is the coolest thing you have encountered at Purdue?
A
New and exciting crystals each and every day
Q
What do you do for fun at Purdue or nearby?
A
I bowl on intramurals at the Union Rack and Roll.
Q
If you could talk with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A
Frida Kahlo. I find her story fascinating and the amount of pain and emotion she communicates in her art is unparalleled, I'd love to get to know her better.
Q
What's something unique about you, or something most people don't know?
A
I collect antique clothing buttons and I am a part of the National Button Society!
Q
Favorite quote and why:
A
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." – Dr. Seuss. Because nothing stays with you from childhood and is still as relevant as ever as a Dr. Seuss quote. We are all in grad school for a reason, make part of that reason to make a difference.
Q
Favorite food and why:
A
Good Mexican food, because there's nothing else like it and nothing better.
Q
Favorite vacation spot and why:
A
Arizona, for the family, the views and the great food.
